A standard general liability policy is rarely enough for a mobile mechanic business in Pennsylvania because it excludes coverage for vehicles in your care, custody, or control. Even though you do not operate out of a physical shop, you still need garagekeepers insurance to protect yourself if you damage a customer’s car while working on it.
Why PA Mobile Mechanics Need Specialized Auto Coverage
The Care, Custody, and Control Exclusion: General liability covers basic third-party accidents, like a customer tripping over your toolbox in their driveway. However, if you accidentally drop a heavy wrench and crack their engine block, general liability will likely deny the claim.
Test Drive Risks: Mobile mechanics frequently need to test drive vehicles after completing a repair. Garagekeepers insurance provides the necessary collision coverage to repair the customer’s car if you are involved in an accident during that diagnostic drive.
Protecting Your Own Equipment: In addition to garagekeepers, mobile mechanics typically need commercial auto insurance for their work truck and an inland marine policy to cover the expensive tools and diagnostic equipment transported from job to job.
What should you do next?
If you are reviewing your policy, make sure you aren’t overpaying or leaving yourself exposed. Check out the complete list of common questions at our Pennsylvania Business Insurance FAQs, or request a quick, no-pressure policy review to see if we can improve your coverage.